(CBS ATLANTA) – The Atlanta Falcons said Tuesday the site south of the Georgia Dome is “not feasible” for the new stadium.
The city of Atlanta and the team were negotiating to buy land from two separate churches that sit to the south of the Dome, in the footprint of where the Falcons want to build.
In a letter to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Tuesday, Atlanta Falcons President and CEO Rich McKay wrote that the proposed south site for the new, retractable-roof stadium is not a viable option because Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church and other parcels of land have not been purchased by The Atlanta Falcons Stadium Company (StadCo), the company responsible for building the stadium.
McKay also wrote that officials have been unable to conduct environmental and other required testing at those sites.
StadCo would have been required to proceed with the south site if notice had not been given prior to the Aug. 1 deadline established in the Memorandum of Understanding.
The GWCCA voted to ask the State Properties Commission to give the Falcons a license to begin the feasibility and inspection process on the north site option.
GWCCA Director Frank Poe said he’s disappointed a deal could not be reached with the two churches.
“It’s disappointing that you see the outcome as an ultimate solution,” said Poe. “It’s the reality of the